The dangers of poor maintenance in public spaces

Public spaces like parks, sidewalks, subway stations and government buildings are used by New Yorkers every day. When these areas are not properly maintained, serious accidents can happen.

Property owners, including public entities, may be held responsible if poor maintenance results in an injury. Let’s explore this topic.

Common examples of inadequate maintenance

Inadequate maintenance can take many forms. Some of the most common include:

• Cracked or uneven sidewalks
• Broken stairs or handrails
• Poor lighting in stairwells or walkways
• Potholes in parking lots or roadways
• Loose tiles or floorboards
• Debris or spills left uncleaned

These issues can develop over time if public areas are not regularly inspected and repaired. Hazards like these often go unnoticed or unaddressed for too long.

Common injuries that can occur

Hazards in poorly maintained areas often lead to slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents. People may also suffer injuries from falling objects, broken fixtures or unsafe structures. Common injuries include:

• Sprains and fractures
• Head injuries
• Back and neck pain
• Cuts or lacerations

These injuries have the potential to be mild or very serious, depending on the nature of the hazard and the person’s age or physical condition.

When property owners may be liable

Under New York law, property owners, including municipalities, must maintain their premises to a reasonably safe standard. If they knew or should have reasonably known about a hazard and failed to fix it in a timely manner, they may be held liable for injuries.

However, there are strict notice requirements when a government entity is involved. Injury claims involving public property in New York often require filing a notice of claim within 90 days, making it important to understand your rights as early as possible.

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